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Observation of the by-elections in Armenia: ''It seems essential for the Armenian authorities to create the conditions for genuine political pluralism''

Observation of the by-elections in Armenia: ''It seems essential for the Armenian authorities to create the conditions for genuine political pluralism''
[20/03/2013]

Observation of the by-elections in Armenia: “It seems essential for the Armenian authorities to create the conditions for genuine political pluralism”
“Practical organisation of the local by-elections in Armenia on 9 and 23 September 2012 was, on the whole, satisfactory”, said Henry Féral (France, EPP/CCE) on 20 March 2013, in the context of a debate and the adoption of a recommendation on this subject at the 24th session of the Congress. The Congress nevertheless noted some shortcomings and urged the Armenian authorities to take measures designed to prevent election rigging, in particular by systematically punishing practices involving the distribution of money observed in certain polling stations, by reminding returning officers of the absolute necessity of checking the identity of each voter against their own personal passport, by making sure that any help given to the elderly is appropriate for their actual needs. Moreover, the Congress drew up some recommendations on crowd control in the polling booths, which is largely caused by the continued presence of unauthorised persons, as well as on the representation of women in elective office. “More generally, it seems essential for the Armenian authorities to create the conditions for genuine political pluralism through the emergence of an opposition force and to strengthen local self-government”, added Mr Féral. Brian Meaney, a representative of the Committee of the Regions of the European Union, also highlighted the positive progress made in local election organisation in Armenia.